Lake Avdellolimni, also known simply as Lake (Limni in Greek) is located on the mountaintop of Sympetro, close to the radar installations. Rain water fills up this natural shapeliked crater and stagnates, thus making it look like a lake.
The name Avdellolimni can be traced to the end of the 19th century in a text by the Koan historian Zaraftis. Its meaning, etymologycally, is probably derived from the plant “avdellia” (wild pear tree) or the plant “ptelea” (elm).
This unique wetland is home to a variety of lifeforms, flora and fauna. In February, you may witness the reproduction of frogs and discover various types of mushroom, flowers and rare plants around the lake. Another smaller lake lies at a very small distance from Avdellolimni, and the numerous presence of buttercups and toads makes it quite unique.
Lake Avdellolimni has been studied and registered by the WWF (Wild Wind Fund for Nature) and is described in the following terms: “a wetland still unknown to most Koans, lake Avdellolimni has been registered in the context of our program, with the help of photointerpretation of satellite images, with code number KOS014. It is a small seasonal lake, slightly larger than 3 acres, situated to the east of Mount Sympetro. We were lucky to find the lake full of water and life! All the lake’s surface was covered with blooming buttercups and was full of toads. However, we were puzzled to see backfillings in such a special place, on the top of a mountain and far from any human activity.
Most wetlands in Kos suffer a lot of pressure from the touristic development of the island. It is therefore important for the people and voluntary associations to take action and support the conservation of the island’s wetlands.
